Hays, KS – Jana’s Campaign, Inc. in collaboration with Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP) is well underway with implementation of Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM) for TMP’s junior and high school football teams, under lead direction of Coach John Montgomery. CBIM, developed nationally by Futures Without Violence, aims to inspire men to teach boys the importance of respecting women and that violence never equals strength.

“It has been nothing short of amazing to watch the transformation in our young men in such a short period of time. This program has opened their eyes to their individual responsibility to bring an end to domestic violence and sexual assault. These are messages they cannot hear enough,” said Montgomery.

Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner – a figure that far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youth. One in five tweens – ages 11 to 14 – say their friends are victims of dating violence and nearly half who are in relationships know friends who are verbally abused. Gender violence is more than an adult problem. It is a youth problem.

Many men say they haven’t gotten involved in efforts to stop gender violence simply because “no one has asked.” A majority of men are willing to talk to children about the importance of healthy, violence-free relationships. Men respond particularly well to the notion that they are in a unique position as role models to help steer boys and teens away from abusive behavior.

Athletic coaches play an extremely influential and unique role in the lives of young men, often serving as a parent or mentor to the boys they coach. Because of these special relationships, coaches are poised to positively influence how young men think and behave both on, and off, the field.

The CBIM Coaches Kit curriculum consists of a series of coach-to-athlete “teach-easy tactics and trainings” that illustrate ways to model respect and promote healthy relationships and choices among youth. The CBIM card series instructs coaches on how to incorporate themes associated with teamwork, integrity, fair play, and respect into their daily practice and routine. Formalized instruction generally takes no more than 15 minutes each week, and research studies have proven the program’s effectiveness.

“Although the CBIM program does make efforts to target potential and current abusers, the majority of the young men involved will never become abusive in their romantic relationships. However, all of the athletes will be confronted with life situations where they have the choice to intervene or to let violence happen. CBIM exists to give these young men the tools and confidence to put a stop to actions they know are wrong, and to help change a culture where degrading talk of women is allowed to occur and ultimately foster violent acts,” said Eric Sader, Executive Director of Jana’s Campaign.

Other regional school systems that have started looking into implementation of the CBIM program in their districts include Logan and Plainville. The system is adaptable to any sport, and regional partners are likely to soon add basketball and track to the CBIM roster.

“I am proud of our Thomas More Prep-Marian coaching staff for their willingness to use this innovative and important program to make an impact on our young male athletes. By doing so, they are helping create a culture of respectful and supportive relationships between young men and all women in their life, present and future,” said Kathy Taylor, Principal at TMP.

To find out more about the program and potentially enroll a team you are involved with, please contact Jana’s Campaign at janascampaign@gmail.com or 785-656-0324. There is no cost to enrollment.

About Jana’s Campaign, Inc.

In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims of domestic violence, a committed group of activists created Jana’s Campaign, Inc. with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. “We believe it is our responsibility to use the story of Jana’s life and the story of her death to help reduce violence against women.” Through our program activities, Jana’s Campaign aims to play a significant role in breaking the cycle of domestic and dating violence and be a catalyst for social change.

About Thomas More Prep-Marian

Thomas More Prep-Marian, a Christian community in the Catholic tradition, challenges its students to spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation. The goal of Thomas More Prep-Marian is to provide in a well-balanced way for each student’s unique intellectual, spiritual, psychological, physical and social needs.

About Futures Without Violence​Under the leadership and vision of founder Esta Soler for more than 30 years, Futures Without Violence has led the way and set the pace for ground-breaking education programs, national policy development, professional training programs, and public actions designed to end violence against women, children and families around the world. In 1994, Futures Without Violence was instrumental in developing the landmark Violence Against Women Act passed by the U.S. Congress.